This blog has often discussed the long-term dangers of repeat concussions. Repeat head injuries can lead to health problems down the road with the breakdown of the brain, including early-onset dementia and depression. Currently the NFL is facing a class-action lawsuit that accuses the league of hiding information from players about the dangers of brain injuries. The lawsuit has been brought against the NFL by former players and their wives.

A recent documentary, "Head Games," is meant to give all the information known about concussions and brain injuries in children and young people and present it to parents and educators so the best choices can be made regarding children's health. Children's brains are still developing and considerable damage can be done to the brain while playing contact sports. The documentary says these contact sports, such as football, put children at unnecessary risk.

If a young person's brain is damaged while playing certain sports, they could be set back in many ways as an adult. An adult suffering from depression or cognitive decline because of a brain injury or repeat head injuries that damaged the brain may need to apply for Social Security Disability benefits if they can no longer work.

Source: The Vancouver Sun, "Documentary lifts the lid on head injuries in sports," Nancy Armour, Associated Press, Sept. 22, 2012